Now that summer has arrived, me and my neighbour John, were starting to become concerned that our favourite roadside produce stall might have packed up shop. This is one of those lovely quaint country things, the produce stall beside the road that you just happen upon by accident. It has taken me two years to remember where our favourite roadside table is as it is tucked away down a country lane in a very out-of-the-way place.
Last summer it provided us with a fair amount of conversation throughout the summer; which of us had passed it, what was for sale and more to the point, what had we bought to bring home. This table is always unattended, handwritten labels let you know how much everything costs and a wooden money box, padlocked to the table, sits there waiting for you to post your coins through the slot. Depending what is in season and what time of day you go there, you’ll find a different assortment of produce for sale, freshly dug potatoes, home made jams and chutneys in wonderfully unshowy jars, free range eggs, bunches of fresh herbs and sometimes vegetable plants in pots ready for planting in your own patch when you get home.

So I was thrilled to see the table set up again for another summer of business. Sometimes there isn’t a lot there for sale but the vegetable and fruit print sticky backed plastic that covers the table, makes the display look more abundant however few things are on offer. A 60′s fringed bedspread provides some shade for the goods as the sun moves around during the day. Today I bought a jar of gooseberry and elderflower jam. I have only ever seen someone restocking the stall on one occasion otherwise it is just there on its own upholding the value of trust, and long may it continue to do so. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you where it is because it is a secret.

This reminds me of my holidays to North Cornwall. Each year I always look forward to picking up a jam or two at a mysterious table on the roadside near the caravan we stay in. So lovely. Your stall looks very impressive.